CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – TELLING HIM THE TRUTH

Over the next few days, Karina threw herself into work, using it as a shield to avoid confronting her new reality. She dodged Miguel's calls and messages, making excuses about being swamped with projects. At night, she lay awake, her mind racing. One moment, she'd feel a spark of excitement at the thought of creating a life with Miguel. The next, she'd be gripped by fear, imagining all the ways this could go wrong. Miguel, sensing something was amiss, grew increasingly concerned. He tried to reach out, sending her messages filled with worry and care. "Karina, please talk to me. Are you feeling better? Did the doctors say anything?" one message read. "I miss you. Can we have dinner tonight?" said another. Each time, Karina found herself crafting careful responses, always with an excuse. "Still catching up on work I missed. Rain check?" "Have a late meeting. Maybe tomorrow?" As the days turned into a week, the tension between them grew palpable. In meetings, Miguel would try to c